Chapter_2___ - Chapter 2 First Encounters, First Conquests...

Chapter 2 First Encounters, First Conquests (1492-1607)
Essential Question: How did European politics, economics, and religious issues
lead to exploration and settlement in America? Of these three, which is the
single most important category, and why? This question is one you will be asked
to answer at the end of this set of activities.
Theme for Chapter 2 – Contact
Introduction: Introductions provide a valuable guide to the material you are about to read,
telling you what topics will be covered and how they fit together. If you keep the “big picture”
provided by the introduction in mind as you read the chapter, you will find it much easier to
organize your notes, identify important information, and avoid getting lost in the details. With
this in mind, re-read the introduction to Chapter 2. As you read, make a list of key topics you
expect to learn about.
● Christopher Coulumbus’s explorations
● Encounters between Europeans and the indigenous people
Columbus, The Columbian Exchange, and
Early Conquests
European contact with the peoples of the Americas was a transformative event, altering life in
both Europe and the Americas, and reshaping global trade connections and the global balance
of power. Complete the table below to compare the consequences of contact. Make certain you
consider these consequences for the Americas, Europe, and the world at large.
Economic Consequences
Columbus upset the Taino’s economy when he took some of them captive when he
continued on his voyages. This upset the Taino people and they did not show
kindness to the new people anymore.

Political Consequences
The governors who came after Columbus proved to be more efficient and more
cruel. They were ordered that the Indians would be treated well and no longer be
enslaved. As the governors were more focused on the gold they ignored the
command to show kindness.
Biological Consequences
One of the greatest things Columbus and his successors did was unintentional.
They brought over European diseases with them. The Indians were not used to
these diseases, and their immune system failed them. Many thousands of Taino
people died from these diseases.
Reviewing the Facts
Provide a short answer (4-6 complete sentences) for each question below. It’s OK if you need
to go back and re-read parts of the section in order to find the answers. The purpose of these
questions is not to test you, but to help you discover how much you know and what you may
need to review.

What motives were behind Columbus’s voyages to the New World?